Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an eating disorder where you consume more food than intended. BED is commonly known as compulsive overeating. The key defining feature of BED is recurrent episodes of binge eating that must occur, on average, at least once a week for 3 months. There is a sense of lack of control over eating during the binge episode where you are unable to refrain from eating or you are unable to stop when you intend to. 

You might binge-eat in isolation or secretly. After a binge eating episode, you are filled with guilt, disgust and shame about yourself. Dealing with these ugly feelings makes you want to gorge more as you struggle internally. You vow not to binge and yet the compulsion is so strong that you eat excessively again when triggered.

Common triggers, like stress, boredom and negative feelings of self, body weight and shape, can lead to another bingeing episode. 

You might struggle with pre-existing anxiety or depression. These mental disorders can cause or worsen your binge eating problem. 

Help & Treatment

Seeking professional help early can help to reduce the harmful consequences of binge eating. 

Screening - The aim of the initial session is to identify the presence of binge-eating and/or effect(s) of negative consequences of excessive binge-eating. Any other existing mental health conditions are screened for in order to provide a deeper understanding of the client. 

Assessment - This is a comprehensive understanding of the severity and depth of the binge-eating problem in the context of the client's life situation. The individual's strengths, weaknesses, problems and needs are accounted in order to determine an effective solution. Potential risks are also discussed and integrated into the treatment planning. A discussion of a suitable treatment plan will proceed after the assessment. 

Treatment Planning + Counselling - The treatment plan is tailored to the client's needs. Immediate and long-term goals are established. A discussion of WE CARE's holistic services is included in the treatment planning. Brief therapy is provided to clients with mild to moderate binge-eating problems. An intensive and long-term recovery approach is more appropriate for chronic situations.  

If you or someone you know who has a binge-eating problem, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment with us. Call 3165 8017 or email help@wecare.org.sg